Oral compositions, their preparation and use

ABSTRACT

An oral composition having a pH in the range of from 3 to 8.5, comprising: (a) in the range of from 0.1% to &lt;10% w/w (based on the total weight of the oral composition) of a stock solution comprising a mixture of bioflavonoids and fruit acids or salts thereof; and (b) water; and, optionally, (c) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor.

The present invention relates to flavonoid-containing compositions for use in the preparation of oral compositions, such as toothpastes, mouthwashes or dental rinses. In particular, it relates to oral compositions comprising an antibacterial bioflavonoid stock solution, their preparation and use.

Certain compositions comprising flavonoids having antimicrobial, particularly anti-bacterial and especially anti-viral, activity are known. However, the term ‘flavonoid’ covers a large variety of differing compounds, which may be made available by extraction from various natural sources. Depending on both the source and the nature or method of extraction, the overall chemical composition of the resulting flavonoid mixture can itself vary widely. Individual flavonoids can vary greatly in their biological activity (or be inactive), both in terms of toxicity and effectiveness against microbes such as viruses and bacteria. Therefore, in combination, such flavonoids can also vary in their biological activity.

It has been found that it is possible to synergise, enhance or facilitate the biological activity of certain combinations of flavonoids by the addition of other agents to the flavonoid composition. Much effort has therefore been directed to finding a suitable combination of flavonoids, with or without other agent(s), that will have a desired effectiveness against certain microbes but without accompanying toxic or other disadvantageous effects in use. An example of such a combination is to be found in a combination of orange extracts, known as bioflavonoids, and natural fruit acids such as vitamin C, which is used in the poultry industry to kill food-related microbes such as E coli and Salmonella.

However, up until the present invention, it has not been proposed to use an orange-derived bioflavonoid/fruit acid combination in formulations for personal hygiene, such as oral, use. In particular, the known combination would be much too acidic for oral use. Furthermore, although it has been suggested that flavonoids be used in compositions such as toothpaste and mouthwash, these have either been unspecified as to their flavonoid components and/or limited to specific flavonoids. For example, patent specification no. WO 02/47615 discloses an oral composition comprising an organoleptically suitable carrier and a terpenoid and/or a flavonoid dispersed in the carrier; DE 19949575 discloses a combination of fluorides and flavonoids for treating dental disorders and preventing caries; and JP62051613 relates to a dentifrice composition containing 0.001-0.1 wt % flavonoid compound(s) selected from flavonol, chrysin, hesperetin and hesperidin. None of the prior art formulations disclose a combination of a bioflavonoid composition (itself comprising a particular combination of water-soluble flavonoid components) with one or more water-soluble fruit acid(s) in an amount and form suitable for oral administration as a solution, and having anti-bacterial activity.

Accordingly, the present invention provides an oral composition having a pH in the range of from 3 to 8.5, preferably 3.5 to 8, preferably 4 to 7, more preferably 5 to 6.5, comprising:

(a) in the range of from 0.1% to <10% w/w (based on the total weight of the oral composition) of a stock solution comprising a mixture of bioflavonoids and fruit acids or salts thereof; and (b) water; and, optionally, (c) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor, which may itself comprise (an)other pharmaceutically or pharmacologically acceptable ingredient(s) suitable for oral administration.

Preferably, the oral composition comprises in the range of from 0.1 to 5% w/w of the stock solution, more preferably from 0.1 to 2% w/w, such as about 1%. Suitably, the oral composition comprises in the range of from 20 to 80% w/w water, towards the lower end of that range in the case of a toothpaste and towards the upper end for a liquid composition such as a mouthwash/rinse/spray. For example, a paste may comprise in the range of from 20 to 45% w/w water, such as 20 to 30% w/w, particularly if silica is included in component (c), and a liquid formulation may comprise in the range of from 60 to 80% w/w water (all w/w based on the total weight of the oral composition).

Especially preferred is when the stock solution is preparable from water-soluble bioflavonoids in combination with a fruit acid, such as citric, malic and ascorbic acids. One or more of the acids are preferably neutralized with a suitable base, such as a quaternary ammonium base, for example a choline base, such as choline carbonate, bicarbonate or, preferably, hydroxide. More preferably, citric, malic and ascorbic acids are all used in the preparation of the composition, and especially preferred is when these are fully neutralized to provide citrate, malate and/or ascorbate salts. Especially preferred is choline ascorbate. Accordingly, it is preferred that the stock solution is substantially free from fruit acids, by which is meant that its pH is around neutral. Exemplary pH ranges for the stock solution are from 3 to 8.5, 3.5 to 8.5, 3.5 to 8, 4 to 8, 4 to 7.5, 4.5 to 7.5, 4.5 to 7, 5 to 7, 5 to 6.5, 5.5 to 6.5 and 5.5 to 6, the pH being for example about 5, about 5.5, about 6, about 6.5 or about 7.

Not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, the present inventors believe that, as well as having a chelating effect on hard water, the fruit acids also synergise the biological activity of the active agents eg the bioflavonoids and choline ascorbate. Accordingly, a preferred stock solution comprises water-soluble bioflavonoids and choline ascorbate (present either as choline base (eg hydroxide) and ascorbic acid or as the salt per se).

The stock solution preferably further comprises a non-toxic solvent, such as a water-miscible or hydrophilic solvent, and more preferably comprises water and a water-miscible co-solvent such as glycerine, a polyhydric alcohol or the like. Especially preferred is when the solvent comprises a water/glycerine mixture, preferably in the ratio of from 2:1-1:2 (water:co-solvent). More preferably, components (b) and (c) (the balance comprising water, co-solvent(s) and excipient(s) and or/or carrier(s)) are alcohol-, especially ethanol-, free.

Accordingly, the stock solution preferably is preparable from:

Ingredient % (w/w) Ingredient in Stock Solution Bioflavonoid mixture 1-20, preferably 2 to 15, more preferably (45% in biomass) 3 to 15, such as 3, 4, or 15, most preferred is 3.3. Citric acid 1-20, preferably 4 to 15, such as 4, 5, 10, or 15, most preferred is 4.5. Malic acid 1-20, preferably 4 to 15, such as 4, 5, 10, or 15, most preferred is 4.5. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C)* 1-20, preferably 1 to 5*, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, most preferred is 1.5. Choline hydroxide solution 1-45, preferably 4 to 20*, such as 5, 8, (45% in water)* 10, 12, 15, or 18. Glycerine/water or other Balance, qv to 100%, preferably 5-50*, solvent(s) such as 7, 10, or 15, most preferred is 7.5. *Ascorbic acid and choline hydroxide (or other choline base) can be replaced by choline ascorbate, with amounts of glycerine and water (or alternative solvent(s)) increased appropriately. Preferred is when the solvent comprises approximately equal % of both glycerine and water, such as 5 to 25% each, such as 15% glycerine and 20% water (when choline is present as the hydroxide solution), or such as 25% glycerine and 25% water (when the choline and ascorbic acid are present as 5% choline ascorbate).

Accordingly, the oral compositions of the present invention preferably are preparable from (based on the weight of the oral composition):

(a) (i) in the range of from 0.0002-1.5% w/w bioflavonoids [excluding biomass, which preferably contributes another 0.00024-1.83% w/w]; (ii) in the range of from 0.001-2.0% w/w citric acid; (iii) in the range of from 0.001-2.0% w/w malic acid; (iv) in the range of from 0.001-2.0% w/w ascorbic acid; (v) in the range of from 0.00045-2.03% w/w choline base; and (b) and (c) the balance comprising water, co-solvent(s) and excipient(s) and/or carrier(s).

More preferably, the oral compositions of the present invention are preparable from (based on the weight of the oral composition):

(a) (i) in the range of from 0.00045-0.9% w/w bioflavonoids [excluding biomass, which preferably contributes another 0.00055-1.1% w/w]; (ii) in the range of from 0.001-2.0% w/w citric acid; (iii) in the range of from 0.001-2.0% w/w malic acid; (iv) in the range of from 0.001-2.0% w/w ascorbic acid; (v) in the range of from 0.00045-2.03% w/w choline base; and (b) and (c) the balance comprising water, co-solvent(s) and excipient(s) and/or carrier(s).

Since the stock solutions of the present invention therefore more preferably are preparable from the percentages given in the above-noted table, the oral compositions of the present invention more preferably are preparable from:

(a) (i) in the range of from 0.000675-0.675% w/w bioflavonoids [excluding biomass]; (ii) in the range of from 0.015-1.5% w/w citric acid; (iii) in the range of from 0.015-1.5% w/w malic acid; (iv) in the range of from 0.005-0.5% w/w ascorbic acid; (v) in the range of from 0.015-0.9% w/w choline base; and (b) and (c) the balance comprising water, co-solvent(s) and excipient(s) and/or carrier(s).

Since preferred oral compositions of the present invention comprise in the order of 1% w/w of the stock solution, in one embodiment, preferred oral compositions of the invention are preparable from:

(a) (i) of the order of 0.0675% w/w bioflavonoids [excluding biomass]; (ii) of the order of 0.15% w/w citric acid; (iii) of the order of 0.15% w/w malic acid; (iv) of the order of 0.05% w/w ascorbic acid; (v) of the order of 0.09% w/w choline base; and (b) and (c) the balance comprising water, co-solvent(s) and excipient(s) and/or carrier(s).

In another embodiment, most preferred oral compositions of the invention are preparable from:

(a) (i) of the order of 0.01485% w/w bioflavonoids [excluding biomass]; (ii) of the order of 0.045% w/w citric acid; (iii) of the order of 0.045% w/w malic acid; (iv) of the order of 0.015% w/w ascorbic acid; and (b) and (c) the balance comprising water, co-solvent(s) and excipient(s) and/or carrier(s).

In another embodiment, most preferred oral compositions of the invention are preparable from:

(a) (i) of the order of 0.01485% w/w bioflavonoids [excluding biomass]; (ii) of the order of 0.045% w/w citric acid; (iii) of the order of 0.045% w/w malic acid; (iv) of the order of 0.06% w/w choline ascorbate; and (b) and (c) the balance comprising water, co-solvent(s) and excipient(s) and/or carrier(s).

The stock solution is prepared by processes known to those skilled in the art. Preferably, the co-solvents are mixed with the water at ambient temperature and then the acids involved in neutralization processes, such as ascorbic acid, are blended together with the solvent at an increased temperature, which is kept low enough to ensure no degradation of any of the ingredients. In the case of ascorbic acid, which thermally degrades above about 55 degC, the temperature is kept in the range of from about 25 to below 55 degC and is preferably in the region of 50 degC. Preferably, the neutralization involves addition of choline hydroxide to ascorbic acid in the blend (starting pH=1.2; finishing pH=5.5-6.0), or choline ascorbate (ie wherein the ascorbic is already neutralized) itself can be added.

Then, the remaining acids (preferably, citric and malic) are added, followed by the bioflavonoids, resulting in a solution having a pH in the range of from about 2.0 to 6.5 but typically is from about 2.2 to 3.5, especially in the range of from 2.3 to 3.0. The remaining un-neutralised acids are also substantially neutralized, for example, by choline hydroxide, to result in a substantially neutral solution having a pH in the range of, for example, from 5 to 8.5, preferably 5.5 to 7, more preferably 5.5 to 6.5.

The stated antimicrobial effect of prior art formulations comprising a bioflavonoid relies on the inhibition by the bioflavonoid of the uptake of essential amino acids in the cytoplasmic membrane of the microbe, such as by inhibiting the viral neuroamidase. However, the formulations of the present invention are believed to be effective because the combination of selected soluble bioflavonoids with choline ascorbate results in encapsulation of the microbe, breakdown of the flavonone and glucoside components into independent fragments, and subsequent deactivation of the microbe by the flavonone fragments and choline ascorbate.

Preferably, the bioflavonoid mixture comprises water-soluble bioflavonoids in association with biomass resulting from the extraction process; accordingly, the bioflavonoid mixture may be associated with up to 40-60% w/w, preferably about 55% w/w, biomass (based on the weight of the bioflavonoid mixture). The bioflavonoids are preferably glucosides, especially those selected from isocriocirm, isonaringin, narangin, hesperidin, neohesperidin, neodiomin, naringenin, poncirin and rhiofolen, and more preferably each of these is present in the mixture. Especially preferred is when the major part of the bioflavonoid mixture comprises narangin and neohesperidin, such as when these comprise in excess of 75% of the bioflavonoid component (excluding biomass). Suitably, other bioflavonoids (such as flavonol, chrysin, hesperetin) are substantially absent from the bioflavonoid mixture and the bioflavonoid component therefore consists essentially of the water-soluble bioflavonoids listed hereinabove, although trace amounts of other bioflavonoids may be present. Especially preferred is when the water-soluble bioflavonoids comprise the following percentages (by weight of bioflavonoid in the total bioflavonoid component):

% of Total Bioflavonoid Bioflavonoid Component Isocriocirm 2.4 Isonaringin 2.7 Narangin 52.0 Hesperidin 3.1 Neohesperidin 27.8 Neodiomin 3.1 Naringenin 3.4 Poncirin 4.4 Rhiofolen 1.1 Total 100%

A suitable source of such a water-soluble bioflavonoid mixture is herein referred to as ‘HPLC 45’, of which about 45% (of the total composition of HPLC 45) comprises such bioflavonoids, with the balance (about 55%) comprising biomass such as pectins, sugars and minor organic acids. As stated above, especially preferred is when the major part of the bioflavonoid mixture comprises narangin and neohesperidin, such as when these comprise in excess of 35% of the bioflavonoid component in a mixture with biomass such as HPLC 45. Accordingly, by weight of the total composition of HPLC 45, the following bioflavonoids are preferably present:

% in HPLC 45 (bioflavonoid Bioflavonoid component + biomass) Isocriocirm 1.1 Isonaringin 1.2 Narangin 23.4 Hesperidin 1.4 Neohesperidin 12.5 Neodiomin 1.4 Naringenin 1.5 Poncirin 2.0 Rhiofolen 0.5 Total 45% of HPLC 45

The HPLC 45 is available from Exquim (the food arm of Grupo Ferrer) as Citrus Bioflavonoid Complex 45% HPLC. It is derived from a starting material comprised of the pith of immature, bitter (blood/red) oranges such as Seville oranges that are classed as ‘inedible’ and from which the pips, flesh and oily skin have been substantially removed or remain undeveloped. This starting material is crushed in a hydrophilic, ionic solvent such as water or water/alcohol mixtures, preferably water/ethanol in a ratio of about 1:10-20 (solvent: starting material). The resulting mixture is filtered to leave a water-soluble biomass, which is retained, and an insoluble biomass, which is discarded. The water-soluble biomass is then subject to fine filtration, after which it is flash-distilled to leave a brown, hygroscopic powder (HPLC 45).

Preferably, the bioflavonoid mixture for use in the oral compositions of the present invention is distinguishable particularly by comprising water-soluble glucosides from the mixture obtained from grapefruit or other citrus fruits or other plant sources, which comprise water-insoluble flavonoids; and, more preferably, is distinguishable from the mixture obtained when substantial amounts of the seeds, pulp and/or flesh of such fruits are comprised in the starting material, which particularly comprise water-insoluble components. Furthermore, the more developed/mature starting material of the prior art is more likely to have been subjected to pesticides and/or synthetic fertilizing media, and are therefore less ‘organic’ or pure in their origin than the bioflavonoid mixture of the solutions of the present invention.

Preferably, the stock solution comprises 1-20%, preferably 2 to 15%, more preferably 3 to 15%, such as 3, 4, or 15, most preferred is 3.3% w/w of the HPLC45. Accordingly, the stock solution preferably comprises 0.45-9%, preferably 0.9 to 6.75%, more preferably 1.35 to 6.75%, such as 1.35, 1.8, or 6.75, most preferred is 1.485% of the bioflavonoid mixture.

Preferably, the oral composition and, particularly in the absence of other ingredients except water, the stock solution has a pH of from about 3 to about 8.5, more preferably of from about 4 to 7.5, such as about 5 to 7; especially preferred is when the pH is about 5.5 to 6.5. Most preferably, therefore, the oral composition is substantially free of hydrogen ions, such as from fruit acids; the fruit acids used in the preparation of the stock solution and/or oral composition therefore having been substantially neutralised, preferably as described above by addition of a base to the stock solution. On the other hand, when the oral composition also comprises a buffering agent, then the pH of the stock solution can vary outside these ranges provided that the buffering agent is present in an amount effective to provide the oral composition with a pH within these ranges.

Accordingly, component (c) of the oral compositions of this invention may comprise a buffering agent to regulate or adjust the pH of the final composition, such as an alkali metal hydroxide or ammonium hydroxide or a mono-, di- or tri-basic phosphate such as a tri(alkali metal) phosphate. Since the quantity of hydroxide is more difficult to measure than that of dibasic phosphate, it is preferred to use monobasic phosphates and dibasic phosphates. Another alternative is to use a combination of phosphoric acid with a dibasic or tribasic, such as tri(alkali metal), phosphate. The phosphates are preferably incorporated in the form of their sodium, potassium or ammonium salts; more preferably, sodium salts are employed. However, in cases where hypertensive effects of sodium ions are of concern, mono- and di-potassium phosphates may be used. When the buffering agent is disodium phosphate, for example, it may be present up to about 5% w/w of the oral composition, preferably in the range of from 0 to 0.5%, such as about 0.05% w/w.

Another optional ingredient, component (c), may comprise a source of fluoride, such as sodium fluoride or sodium monofluorophosphate, up to about 0.5% w/w of the oral composition. The fluoride source is preferably in the range of from 0 to 0.15%, such as about 0.05% w/w in the case of liquid compositions but more in the case of toothpastes, where from 0 to 0.3%, such as around 0.24%, w/w or in the range of from 0 to 1500 ppm (as fluoride ions) is suitable.

Other additives may be present in the oral compositions of the invention, such as flavouring, sweetening or colouring agents, or preservatives. Mint, such as from peppermint or spearmint, cinnamon, eucalyptus, citrus, cassia, anise and menthol are examples of suitable flavouring agents. Flavouring agents are preferably present in the oral compositions in an amount in the range of from 0 to 3%; preferably up to 2%, such as up to 0.5%, preferably around 0.2%, in the case of liquid compositions; but optionally more in the case of toothpaste, preferably 0.5 to 2%, more preferably around 1% w/w. Sweeteners include artificial or natural sweetening agents, such as sodium saccharin which may be present in an amount in the range of from 0 to 2%, preferably up to 1% w/w, such as 0.05 to 0.3% w/w of the oral composition. Colouring agents are suitable natural or synthetic colours, such as titanium dioxide or CI 42090, or mixtures thereof. Colouring agents are preferably present in the oral compositions in an amount in the range of from 0 to 3%; preferably up to 0.1%, such as up to 0.05%, preferably around 0.005-0.0005%, in the case of liquid compositions; but optionally more in the case of toothpaste, preferably up to 1%, more preferably around 0.5% w/w. Of the usual preservatives, sodium benzoate is preferred in concentrations insufficient substantially to alter the pH of the oral composition, otherwise the amount of buffering agent may need to be adjusted to arrive at the desired pH.

Other optional ingredients of component (c) may include other active agents such as anti-plaque agents and/or antimicrobial agents. Suitable agents include quaternary ammonium compounds such as domiphen bromide, cetyl pyridinium chloride (CPC), phenolic compounds, ethanol, and the preservatives mentioned above. Such active agents may be present in an amount in the range of from 0 to 4% w/w but may be as much as 70%, such as up to 30%, in the case of ethanol. For example, CPC or the like is preferably present up to 2%, such as about 0.05% w/w, especially in liquid oral compositions of the invention. Ethanol may comprise as much as 70%, preferably about 0 to 30% w/w in liquid compositions of the invention, such as about 15% w/w in a mouthspray, but preferred oral compositions of the invention are those wherein ethanol or any other alcohol is substantially absent.

Other optional ingredients of component (c) may include humectants, surfactants (non-ionic, cationic or amphoteric), thickeners, gums and binding agents. Suitable humectants include glycerine, xylitol, glycerol and glycols such as propylene glycol, which may be present in an amount of up to 50% w/w each, but total humectant is preferably not more than about 60-80% w/w of the oral composition. For example, liquid oral compositions may comprise up to about 30% glycerine plus up to about 5%, preferably about 2% w/w xylitol. Surfactants are preferably not anionic and may include polysorbate 20 or cocoamidobetaine or the like in an amount up to about 6%, preferably about 1.5 to 3%, w/w of the oral composition.

When the oral compositions of the invention are in the form of a mouthspray, it is preferred to include a film-forming agent up to about 3% w/w of the oral composition, such as in the range of from 0 to 0.1%, preferably about 0.001 to 0.01%, such as about 0.005% w/w of the oral composition. Suitable film-formers include sodium hyaluronate and those sold under the tradename Gantrez.

When the oral compositions of the invention are in the form of toothpaste, it is preferred to include gums, binders and/or thickeners, such as colloidal silica, carrageenan and cellulose derivatives such as sodium carboxymethylcellulose. Such ingredients may be present in an amount up to about 3% w/w of the oral composition, such as up to about 2%, preferably about 0.5 to 1%, w/w of the oral composition.

Toothpaste compositions of this invention may also comprise an abrasive agent, such as hydrated silica, dicalcium phosphate, or water-insoluble alkali metal metaphosphates, up to about 25% w/w and preferably in the range of from about 10 to about 15% w/w of the oral composition.

The oral compositions of the present invention may be prepared by any method known in the art for the formulation of similar compositions, such as a toothpaste, mouthwash or rinse, mouthspray, or the like. All methods comprise bringing the components (a) and (b) and, if present, (c) together in intimate physical admixture.

Preferably, the compositions are packaged in suitable packaging such as a plastics or metallic tube, plastics or glass transparent, translucent or opaque bottle, jar or dispenser, with or without spray or other applicator means, together with instructions for use. Such packaging may itself be further packaged into a cardboard box or other suitable container and the same or further instructions for use may be inserted therein or inscribed thereon; suitably, such instructions may be inscribed on a pack insert or leaflet. The packaging preferably lists the active, main or all ingredients of the composition. The instructions may include those known to the person skilled in the art of oral compositions, particularly those for anti-bacterial use. Accordingly, they may recommend that a pea-sized amount of toothpaste be applied to the dentition at regular intervals, 2-3 times per day; that a mouthful of mouthwash or rinse be sluiced around the oral cavity at least once per day and preferably after meals; and the like.

The oral compositions of the present invention may therefore be useful for treating, preventing or ameliorating the effects of a microbial, especially a bacterial, infection in the oral cavity or other periodontal disease; for cleaning, disinfecting or removing debris from the oral cavity; for refreshing, freshening, removing or improving the odour or taste in the oral cavity; and for generally attending to the hygiene, appearance and feel of the oral cavity. Accordingly, the present invention further provides a stock solution comprising a mixture of bioflavonoids and fruit acids (such as the mixture hereinbefore described) in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of a microbial, especially a bacterial, infection in the oral cavity; in particular, wherein the medicament comprises in the range of from 0.1% to 10% w/w (based on the total weight of the oral composition) of the stock solution. Preferably, the present invention provides (a) a stock solution comprising a mixture of bioflavonoids and fruit acids together with (c) other pharmaceutically or pharmacologically acceptable ingredients suitable for oral administration (such as those described hereinbefore), in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of a microbial, especially a bacterial, infection in the oral cavity; in particular, wherein the medicament comprises in the range of from 0.1% to 10% w/w (based on the total weight of the oral composition) of the stock solution.

The oral compositions of the present invention are useful in the treatment or prevention of infections, disease or conditions arising from the following bacteria: Actinomyces odontolyticus, Actinomyces viscosus, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Prevotella buccae, Prevotella dentalis, Streptococcus gordonii, Streptococcus sanguinis, S oralis, S sobrinus, S mutans, S intermedius, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Eubacterium nodatum, Actinomyces israelii, Actinomyces naeslundii, C albicans and C tropicalis. In biological tests, a stock solution (see Example 1) used in the preparation of the oral compositions of this invention was found to be inhibitory of all the above-mentioned bacteria at 1/10 dilution and the above-mentioned non-Streptococcal bacteria were also inhibited at 1/100 dilution. Other biological data are given in the Examples hereinbelow. The present invention will now be illustrated by the following non-limiting examples.

EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of Stock Solution (a) Preparation of HPLC 45

The starting material comprises the pith of immature, bitter (blood/red) oranges such as Seville oranges that are classed as ‘inedible’ and from which the pips, flesh and oily skin have been substantially removed. The starting material is milled and then crushed in water or water/ethanol in a ratio of about 1:10-20 (solvent: starting material). The resulting mixture is filtered to leave a water-soluble biomass, which is retained, and an insoluble biomass, which is discarded. The water-soluble biomass is then subject to fine filtration, after which it is flash-distilled to leave a brown, hygroscopic powder (HPLC 45). Alternatively, the HPLC 45 is available from Exquim (Grupo Ferrer).

(b) Bioflavonoid Composition of HPLC 45

Analysis of the HPLC 45 obtained in step (a) shows that 45% of the total composition of HPLC 45 comprises bioflavonoids, with the balance (55%) comprising pectins, sugars and minor organic acids. The percentage (by weight of bioflavonoids in the HPLC 45) of the following bioflavonoids are present:

% Bioflavonoids Bioflavonoid in HPLC 45 Isocriocirm 2.4 Isonaringin 2.7 Narangin 52.0 Hesperidin 3.1 Neohesperidin 27.8 Neodiomin 3.1 Naringenin 3.4 Poncirin 4.4 Rhiofolen 1.1 Total 100%

Accordingly, by weight of the total composition of HPLC 45, the following bioflavonoids are present:

Bioflavonoid % HPLC 45 Isocriocirm 1.1 Isonaringin 1.2 Narangin 23.4 Hesperidin 1.4 Neohesperidin 12.5 Neodiomin 1.4 Naringenin 1.5 Poncirin 2.0 Rhiofolen 2.8

(c) Preparation of Stock Solution

Ingredient % Stock Solution HPLC 45 15  Citric acid 15  Malic acid 15  Ascorbic acid (vitamin C)*  5* Choline hydroxide solution (45% in water)* 15* Glycerine 15* Water 20* Total 100% The water, glycerine and ascorbic acid are blended together at ambient temperature and the temperature then increased to 50deg C. The choline hydroxide is added to neutralize the ascorbic acid (starting pH = 1.2; finishing pH = 5.5-6.0). [*Ascorbic acid and choline hydroxide can be replaced by choline ascorbate 5%, with amounts of glycerine and water increased to 25% each]

Then, the remaining acids (citric and malic) are added, followed by the HPLC 45, resulting in a stock solution having a pH of 6.2 to 7.2, and comprising 6.75% bioflavonoids (w/w of the stock solution).

EXAMPLE 2 Mouthspray

INGREDIENT PERCENTAGE Glycerine 10.000 Ethanol 15.000 Xylitol 2.000 Polysorbate 20 1.500 Stock solution, pH adjusted 1.000 to 6.44 Flavour 0.200 Sodium Saccharin 0.080 Cetyl Pyridinium Chloride 0.050 Disodium Phosphate•12H₂O 0.075 Sodium Hyaluronate 0.005 Water q.v. to 100%

A. Laboratory Sample: A mouthspray according to the invention was prepared as follows, using the above-noted ingredients: In vessel (A) disperse the sodium hyaluronate in the water with stirring to give a lump free solution. Add the sodium saccharin, cetyl pyridinium chloride, disodium phosphate, xylitol and stock solution and stir until all the ingredients are fully dissolved. Add the glycerine and mix until homogeneous. In a separate vessel (B) combine the polysorbate 20, flavour and ethanol. Mix until the flavour is fully dispersed. Add the contents of vessel (B) to vessel (A) with stirring to give a homogeneous liquid.

B. Alternative (Production) Method: A mouthspray according to the invention may be prepared as follows, using the above-noted ingredients: In vessel (A) disperse the sodium hyaluronate in the glycerine. With stirring, add the water to give a lump free solution. Add the xylitol, stock solution, sodium saccharin, cetyl pyridinium chloride and disodium phosphate, and stir until all the ingredients are fully dissolved. In a separate vessel (B) combine the polysorbate 20, flavour and ethanol. Mix until the flavour is fully dispersed. Add the contents of vessel (B) to vessel (A) with stirring to give a homogeneous liquid.

EXAMPLE 3 Mouthrinse

INGREDIENT PERCENTAGE Glycerine 25.000 Ethanol 0.000 Xylitol 2.000 Polysorbate 20 1.500 Stock solution (pH = 6.23 after 6 0.500 months at RTP) Flavour 0.200 Sodium Saccharin 0.050 Sodium Fluoride 0.050 Disodium Phosphate•12H₂O 0.050 CI 18965 (Yellow 2G) 0.0009 CI 42051 (Patent Blue V) 0.0003 Water q.v. to 100% 70.53

A. Laboratory Sample: An oral rinse according to the invention was prepared as follows, using the above-noted ingredients: In mixing vessel (A) combine the water, sodium saccharin, sodium fluoride, disodium phosphate, colour(s), xylitol and stock solution and mix until all ingredients are fully dissolved. Add the glycerine and mix until homogeneous. In a separate vessel (B) combine the polysorbate 20 and flavour. Mix until the flavour is fully dispersed. Add the contents of vessel (B) to vessel (A) with stirring to give a homogeneous liquid.

B. Alternative (Production) Method: An oral rinse according to the invention was prepared as follows, using the above-noted ingredients: In mixing vessel (A) combine the water, humectant(s), stock solution, sodium saccharin, sodium fluoride, disodium phosphate and colour. Mix until all ingredients are fully dissolved. In a separate vessel (B) combine the polysorbate 20, flavour and ethanol. Mix until the flavour is fully dispersed. Add the contents of vessel (B) to vessel (A) with stirring to give a homogeneous liquid.

EXAMPLE 4 Toothpaste

INGREDIENT PERCENTAGE Glycerine 30.000 Hydrated Silica - abrasive 12.000 Hydrated Silica - thickening 11.000 Xylitol 10.000 Cocamidopropyl Betaine (30%) 3.000 Xanthan Gum 1.000 Stock solution (pH = 6.68 after 6 0.500 months at RTP) Flavour 1.000 Sodium Saccharin 0.260 Sodium Fluoride 0.240 Titanium Dioxide 0.500 Water to 100%

A. Laboratory Sample: A toothpaste according to the invention was prepared as follows, using the above-noted ingredients: Combine water and glycerine in vessel A. To this add the sodium saccharin, sodium fluoride, stock solution and xylitol and stir to dissolve. Transfer the contents of vessel A to a vacuum mixer (vessel B). Preblend the powders (hydrated silicas, xanthan gum and titanium dioxide) in vessel C and add to the liquid phase in the vacuum mixer (B). Mix under vacuum until homogeneous. Add the surfactant and flavour to the vacuum mixer (B) and mix under vacuum to form a smooth paste.

B. Alternative (Production) Method: A toothpaste according to the invention was prepared as follows, using the above-noted ingredients: In a vacuum mixer, disperse the xanthan gum in the glycerine with stirring. Add the water to the dispersion and mix until the xanthan gum is fully hydrated and the mixture lump free. Add the stock solution, water and humectants) in a vacuum mixer. Add the soluble salts (i.e. sodium saccharin, sodium fluoride) to the liquid phase. Blend the powders (i.e. silica and titanium dioxide) and add to the mixer. Stir to form a uniform dispersion. Add the surfactant and flavour, and mix under vacuum to form a smooth paste.

EXAMPLE 5 Preparation of Stock Solution

The following stock solution was prepared as above:

Bioflavonoid mix 3.3% Malic acid 4.5% Citric acid 4.5% Glycerin 7.5% Ascorbic acid 1.5% Water 78.6% Ph of solution 1.5 to 1.75

EXAMPLE 6 Preparation of Stock Solution

The following stock solution was prepared as above:

Bioflavonoid mix 3.3% Malic acid 4.5% Citric acid 4.5% Choline ascorbate 6.0% LFG61 alkyl glycoside 13.3% Propylene glycol 7.5% Water 60.9% Ph of solution 1.5 to 1.75

EXAMPLE 7 Biological Data—Anti-bacterial Activity

Tests were carried out to determine whether oral compositions of the invention were active against a range of anaerobes and facultative bacteria that are implicated in periodontal disease.

Method & Materials

The bacteria used were Actinomyces odontolyticus, Actinomyces viscosus, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Prevotella buccae, Prevotella dentalis, Streptococcus gordonii and Streptococcus sanguinis. All were ATCC-type strains.

All the anaerobes were grown in Fastidious Anaerobic Broth (FAB) at 37deg C for 24 h in a Don Whitely Anaerobic Chamber (available from Don Whitely, Yorkshire, UK). The facultative bacteria were grown in nutrient broth in 10% (v/v) carbon dioxide at 37deg C. for 24 h. The starter culture was 1 ml of an overnight growth containing approximately 10⁶ cfu/ml. The cultures were supplemented with stock solution of the invention in concentrations down to 1/10,000 (0.001%); the diluent was the appropriate broth. Growth was estimated by a spectrophotometric increase in absorption at 650 nm.

Growth on 5% (v/v) blood agar plates was used to assess the toothpaste and mouthwash compositions. Wells approximately 0.5 cm diameter were cut in the agar and filled with dilutions of the respective composition; the diluent was the appropriate broth. The plates were pre-inoculated with approximately 0.2 ml of broth containing 10⁶ cfu/ml. The minimum inhibitory concentration was taken as the well concentration was no inhibition of growth was seen.

Results of Growth Experiments

Percentages refer to those of stock solution present in the respective formulations.

TABLE 1 Toothpaste v Cultures Organism 0.5% 1% A viscosus 1/5000 1/5000 A odontolyticus 1/1000 1/1000 P gingivalis 1/5000 1/5000 P intermedia 1/1000 1/1000 P buccae 1/5000 1/5000 P denticola 1/5000 1/5000 S gordonii 1/1000 1/1000 S sanguinis 1/1000 1/1000

TABLE 2 Mouthwash v Culture Organism 0.5% 1% A viscosus 1/10,000 1/10,000 A odontolyticus 1/5000 1/5000 P gingivalis 1/10,000 1/10,000 P intermedia 1/1000 1/1000 P buccae 1/1000 1/5000 P denticola 1/5000 1/5000 S gordonii 1/5000 1/5000 S sanguinis 1/5000 1/5000

TABLE 3 Toothpaste v Well Diffusion Organism 0.5% 1% A viscosus 1/10,000 1/10,000 A odontolyticus 1/5000 1/5000 P gingivalis 1/10,000 1/10,000 P intermedia 1/1000 1/1000 P buccae 1/1000 1/1000 P denticola 1/5000 1/5000 S gordonii 1/5000 1/5000 S sanguinis N/A N/A

TABLE 4 Mouthwash v Well Diffusion Organism 0.5% 1% A viscosus 1/10,000 1/10,000 A odontolyticus 1/5000 1/5000 P gingivalis 1/10,000 1/10,000 P intermedia 1/1000 1/1000 P buccae 1/1000 1/1000 P denticola 1/5000 1/5000 S gordonii 1/5000 1/5000 S sanguinis N/A N/A

Conclusion: The mouthwashes, toothpastes and stock solution were remarkably equipotent against the range of bacteria tested. Furthermore, no difference in potency was detected between the 0.5% and 1.0% stock solution versions of the toothpastes and the mouthwashes.

In similar tests (culture) using the stock solution, it was also found to be inhibitory at 1/100 dilution against S oralis, S sobrinus, S mutans and S intermedius; and at 1/10 dilution against Lactobacillus acidophilus, Eubacterium nodatum, Actinomyces israelii and Actinomyces naeslundii; and undiluted against C albicans and C tropicalis.

Additional Tests

Two formulations were tested: Example 5 and Example 6. Ranges of two-fold dilutions were prepared for each formulation, having a pH of 1.75 and 2.0, respectively, using either Blood-Heart Infusion (BHI) or Sabouraud's broth as the diluent, giving solutions with a range of concentrations (8%-0.015625% Stock Solution, v/v).

Strains of several bacterial and candidal species (see Table 1) were obtained and cultured for 48 h under the appropriate conditions. Suspensions of each microorganism were prepared in broth (BHI broth for bacteria, Sabouraud's broth for Candida spp.) to a turbidity level approximately equal to MacFarland standard 3.0.

TABLE 1 Species of microorganism used in this study Aerobic bacteria Anaerobic bacteria Yeast Streptococcus Actinomyces odontolyticus Candida albicans gordonii Actinomyces viscosus Candida dubliniensis Streptococcus Clostridium difficile Candida glabrata sanguinis Porphyromonas gingivalis Candida krusei Prevotella buccae Candida parapsilosis Prevotella intermedia Candida tropicalis

A 100 μl-volume of each microbial suspension was added to the wells of a microtitre plate. An equal volume of the solution of either Example 5 or Example 6 (containing the matching broth) was added to each well, giving final concentrations of Stock Solution of 4%-0.0078125% (v/v). Wells were also prepared containing no Stock Solution and/or no microorganism, to act as controls. Each microtitre plate was incubated for 24 h at 37° C. under the appropriate atmospheric conditions. After incubation the relative amounts of each microbial species were estimated by measuring the turbidity in each well using a spectrophotometer reading absorbance at a wavelength of 544 nm. Absorbance readings were blanked using the controls with an absence of microorganisms.

The Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was defined as the lowest concentration of Stock Solution that resulted in a significantly reduced amount of the microorganism (i.e. >50% reduction) in comparison to the controls where the microorganism was grown in the absence of Stock Solution. Experiments were performed in triplicate and MICs were determined for the formulations of Example 5 and Example 6 in the presence of each microbial species.

Results:

The MIC values observed for the 13 microorganisms in response to both formulations of Example 5 and Example 6 are summarised below in Table 2.

The growth of each of the microorganisms studied was inhibited by both formulations of Example 5 and Example 6, with the exception of Candida glabrata. This yeast species' growth did not appear to be inhibited at all by Example 6 even when it was present at a concentration of 8% (v/v), the highest concentration used in this study.

Comparison of the MICs from the two formulations of Example 5 and Example 6 suggested that Example 5 was more effective than Example 6 at inhibiting microbial growth. The MIC for each microorganism was lower with Example 5 than Example 6, with the exception of Porphyromonas gingivalis for which both formulations had an equal value of 1%. Furthermore, Example 5 inhibited the growth of each microorganism when at a concentration of 1% (v/v), even if the reduction of growth was not quite >50% (the criterion set in this study to define the MIC). This supports the use of 1% (v/v) of the stock solution of Example 5 as the preferred working concentration in future products and research.

TABLE 2 MIC values observed in this study for each microorganism in response to the formulations of Example 5 and Example 6. MIC (% Stock Solution, v/v) Microorganism Example 5 Example 6 Actinomyces odontolyticus 0.015625 2 Actinomyces viscosus 2 4 Clostridium difficile 1 2 Porphyromonas gingivalis 1 1 Prevotella buccae 2 4 Prevotella intermedia 2 4 Streptococcus gordonii 0.03125 2 Streptococcus sanguinis 0.03125 2 Candida albicans 0.125 8 Candida glabrata 0.0625 >8* Candida krusei 0.015625 2 Candida parapsilosis 0.03125 8 Candida tropicalis 0.0625 8 *No inhibition of growth apparent, even with highest concentration used in this study 

1. An antibacterial composition for oral use having a pH of 3 to 8.5 preparable from an aqueous solution comprising: (a) (i) 0.45% to 9% of a mixture of bioflavanoids selected from isocriocrin, isonaringen, naringen, hesperidin, neohesperidin, neodiomin, naringenin, poncirin and/or rhiogolen and (ii) a fruit acid; and (b) water; and (c) optionally a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefore.
 2. A composition according to claim 1 wherein the pH is in the range 4 to
 7. 3. A composition according to claim 1 wherein the pH is in the range 5 to 6.5.
 4. A composition according to claim 1 wherein at least 50% of the bioflavanoid mixture comprises narangin and neohesperidin.
 5. A composition according to claim 4 wherein at least 75% of the bioflavanoid mixture comprises narangin and neohesperidin.
 6. A composition according to claim 1 wherein the composition comprises choline.
 7. A composition according to claim 1 wherein the composition comprises ascorbic acid.
 8. A composition according to claim 1 wherein the composition comprises choline ascerbate.
 9. A composition according to claim 1 which comprises the fruit acid citric acid.
 10. A composition according to claim 1 which comprises the fruit acid malic acid.
 11. A composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein the bioflavanoid mixture is derived from the pith of immature bitter oranges.
 12. A composition as claimed in claim 11 wherein the bioflavanoid mixture is in association with 40 to 60% w/w biomass based on the weight of bioflavanoid mixture.
 13. A composition as claimed in claim 1 in the form of a toothpaste.
 14. A composition as claimed in claim 1 in the form of a liquid composition.
 15. A toothpaste as claimed in claim 13 which comprises 20 to 40% w/w water.
 16. A liquid composition as claimed in claim 13 which comprises 60 to 80% w/w water.
 17. A composition as claimed claim 1 comprising in the range of 0% to 30% w/w alcohol based on the weight of the composition.
 18. A composition as claimed in claim 17 wherein the alcohol is ethanol.
 19. A composition as claimed in claim 1 which is free of ethanol.
 20. A composition as claimed in claims 16 in the form of a mouthspray, mouthrinse or mouthwash.
 21. A method for treating, preventing or ameliorating a microbial infection of the oral cavity comprising contacting the oral cavity of a subject with an effective amount of a composition according to claim
 1. 22. The method according to claim 21 wherein the microbial infection is a bacterial infection.
 23. The method according to claim 21 wherein the microbial infection is caused by Actinomyces odontolyticus, Actinomyces viscosus, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Prevotella buccae, Prevotella dentalis, Streptococcus gordonii, Streptococcus sanguinis, S oxalis, S sobrinus, S mutans, S intermedius, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Eubacterium nodatum, Actinomyces israelii, Actinomyces naeslundii, C albicans or C trapicalis.
 24. A method for treating microbial periodontal disease; cleaning, disinfecting or removing debris from the oral cavity; for refreshing, freshening, removing or improving the order of taste of the oral cavity; or for attending to the hygiene, appearance and feel of the oral cavity comprising contacting the oral cavity of a subject with an effective amount of a composition as claimed in claim
 1. 